Chris returned to the room, freshened up, dressed neatly, then headed to the living room, where he commanded Optimus, "Optimus, please inform Dr. Hank, Dr. Helen, and Dr. Octopus to join me for a meeting."
"As you wish," Optimus acknowledged before relaying the order.
After waiting for over ten minutes, Dr. Hank and the others arrived in the living room, wearing displeased expressions.
Upon seeing Chris, Hank snapped, "We're in the middle of research! Why are you disturbing us? Didn't we agree to focus solely on our research and ignore everything else?"
Helen chimed in, "I'm at a crucial juncture in my research, but Optimus stopped assisting me with virtual calculations of preliminary nanotechnology just because I didn't agree to this meeting. It's outrageous."
Doctor Octopus, with a stern expression, added, "I don't do well with interruptions when I'm engrossed in my research. I might act impulsively, like switching on the artificial sun on a whim."
"Uh--" Chris felt the sting of his subordinates' rebukes, his expression souring.
But he had no choice but to swallow his frustration; after all, these people were his assets!
He cleared his throat and stated, "Firstly, we'll have another esteemed scientist joining us in a few days: Professor Lizard. He's highly knowledgeable in biology. Upon his arrival, I hope you'll welcome him warmly," Chris informed them.
"Everyone is immersed in their own research, which isn't related to each other. Why is this even discussed in the meeting?" Octopus retorted.
"Biology? Will his research contribute to my regenerative cradle?" Helen inquired.
Chris nodded, "Yes, it will. He's developed a lizard DNA serum. When injected into the human body, it triggers a mutation into a lizard-like form. Though the side effects are severe, once transformed, as long as the brain remains intact, the body can regenerate missing parts rapidly."
"Wow, when will he arrive? I have so many questions to ask him," Helen impatiently inquired.
"Don't worry, it's just for a few days," Chris reassured with a smile.
"Chris, is there anything else you'd like to discuss?" Hank inquired, eager to return to his research and rescue his wife from the quantum realm.
"I'm curious about your research progress," Chris prompted.
"As long as my artificial sun has sufficient energy, it can be controlled effortlessly. It's akin to a perpetual motion machine with limitless power," Dr. Octopus reported.
"I'm still struggling with the complexities of quantum physics," Hank admitted despondently, feeling outmatched in their trio of scientists.
"My nanotechnology and regenerative cradle are still in the conceptual stage, but I'm confident I'll make progress soon," Helen asserted firmly.
Chris nodded approvingly. "You're all putting in tremendous effort. I'm aware of your dedication, but remember, while perseverance is admirable, overworking your brain isn't. Rest is crucial for inspiration and progress."
Though Chris was eager to develop the next generation of Transformers, he didn't want his team to burn out. Recognizing their value as top scientists in the Marvel world, he knew his journey to greatness relied on their expertise.
"Understood," Hank and the others nodded in agreement, though they couldn't shake their concerns.
"One more thing: SHIELD will soon provide us with vibranium. With this resource, the quality of our equipment will skyrocket. I hope we can collaborate on smelting and utilizing vibranium for our research," Chris announced.
"That sounds fantastic," Dr. Octopus chimed in.
"I'm on board as well," Hank agreed.
"And when the time comes, I'll work on turning vibranium into nano-vibranium, which will be incredibly exciting," Helen added enthusiastically.
"One final note: Let's celebrate tonight. We won't call it a night until we're all properly drunk," Chris declared cheerfully.
"I prefer research over drinking," Hank remarked.
"Agreed," Dr. Octopus nodded in solidarity.
"I don't drink," Helen stated softly.
"Uh, okay! Okay! You all go do your research! I'll just drink alone," Chris replied with a bitter smile.
Being alone didn't bother Chris much. Before he journeyed to the Marvel world, solitude was something he was accustomed to; after all, the strong are often destined for loneliness.
Chris carried a box of whiskey to the beach.
As he reclined on a rocking chair, savored the sea breeze, listened to the waves, and gazed at the starry sky, sipping on fiery liquor became a rare indulgence.
Optimus, controlling a steel armor, stood nearby, attending to Chris's needs. "My lord, Miss Mary issued a missing person notice for you on the internet platform. Would you like me to delete those notices?" Optimus inquired.
"Delete. Remove all traces of my name and photos from the internet," Chris commanded.
"As you wish, it has been done," Optimus confirmed.
"Also, send a text message to Mary's father for me. Inform him that if his daughter bothers me again, I will bankrupt him," Chris ordered.
"No, sir, the text message has been sent," Optimus responded.
Ring ring ring...
Chris's cellphone rang.
"Master, it's Mary's father calling," Optimus reminded.
"Answer it," Chris ordered.
When he couldn't be bothered to pick up his phone, he could rely on the Iron Armor or Transformers as substitutes.
Ding, Mary's father's timid voice emanated from the steel armor, "Mr. Chris, I'm deeply sorry. It's my daughter's foolishness that has caused you distress. Rest assured, when she returns, I will discipline her so she won't repeat this mistake. You won't be bothered by us again."
"Well, that's satisfactory," Chris replied contentedly.
"Mr. Chris, do you truly have no affection for my daughter?" Mary's father asked weakly.
He still hoped Chris would become his son-in-law, given Chris's wealth and power.
"Your daughter is simply too clingy. She's not to my liking. You should marry her off to Peter," Chris advised.
"Oh," Mary's father responded absently, secretly considering the rich second-generation future son-in-law option.
"Optimus, end the call," Chris ordered.
"As you wish," Optimus complied.
In Mary's villa, Mary's father heard the line disconnect and sighed, "Ah, such a fine son-in-law is gone. I wonder what my daughter did to repulse him so thoroughly."
.....
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